UTSC offers Co-operative Education (Co-op) programs in three distinct areas: Arts & Science, International Development Studies, and Management. These Co-op programs consist of two parts - an academic program of study and a Co-op work-term component, both of which are integral parts of the Co-op program curriculum. Practical work experience in an approved setting is undertaken to enhance academic studies through the opportunity to apply and develop concepts and/or skills that are important in the related program of study.
All Co-op programs are either Specialist or Major programs. Following UTSC Degree Requirements, Major Co-op programs must be combined with either another Major program or with two Minor programs. Credits associated with the successful completion of work-term requirements are in addition to the 20.0 credits required for a degree. For this reason, some Co-op programs may take up to five years to complete.
Students who have completed more than 10.0 credits are not eligible to apply to co-op programs. In addition, no student may be enrolled in more than one Co-op program and all Co-op students must be registered at UTSC to maintain their Co-op status. For a listing of Co-op programs visit the Academic Units section of this Calendar. Students should also visit the Calendar section for the related Co-op Office, and the Co-op Office website, to better understand the recruitment process, Co-op fees and best practices for success:
Admission to Co-op Programs
Prospective Applicants
Enrolment in Co-op programs is limited. Students applying directly from secondary school, or transferring to UTSC from another University of Toronto division, or another post-secondary institution, can select Co-op when choosing their Admission Category on their application for admission. Co-op students still need to participate in Registration for Subject POSt(s) processes. See the Admissions and Student Recruitment website for further details.
As part of the application process, some Co-op programs require a Supplementary Application Form (SAF), which asks applicants to provide information in addition to the academic record. In some cases, an interview may be conducted.
Current UTSC Students
Students at UTSC, who are not already in a Co-op program, may apply for admission into a Co-op program following their first year of study. For minimum qualifications and admission requirements please see the description of the individual program in this Calendar. Application procedures can be found on websites for Arts & Science Co-op, International Development Studies Co-op and Management Co-op.
Work-Term Preparation Courses
Students enrolled in a Co-op program must complete Co-op work-term preparation courses as specified by their respective Co-op Office, which are designed to prepare them for their job search and work-term experience and to maximize the benefits of their work-term. These courses will cover a variety of topics intended to help students develop the skills and tools needed to secure work-terms that are appropriate to their program of study, and to perform professionally in the workplace. Students must complete the work-term preparation course requirements noted by their Co-op Office before they are eligible to compete for work-terms. No academic credit is given for the courses and no additional course fee is assessed. For additional information about the work-term preparation courses, see the description of the individual program in this Calendar, and visit the related Calendar section for the related Co-op Office as well as the Co-op Office website.
Work-Terms
Work-term opportunities are developed by the Co-op Office for the program, but students are required to apply and compete with other Co-op students for these opportunities. While on a work-term, students remain in contact with UTSC through their Co-op Office and the Program Supervisor of the program of study. In addition, the employer will evaluate the student's performance on work-terms. Also, while on work-term, students must prepare for a work-term report/project/assignment that will be evaluated by their Program Supervisor or an academic marker designated by their Department. The work-term report/project/assignment must be submitted to the Co-op Office no later than the deadline noted by their respective Co-op Office. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a grade of NCR (No Credit) for the work-term. A failed work-term will be recorded on the transcript, and the student may be removed from the Co-op program.
Generally, work-terms begin in September, January, or May. Students are normally eligible to seek a work-term after three or four academic terms of full-time study, as specified by each program. Co-op students should review the descriptions of their program of study contained in this Calendar for all work-term eligibility requirements. To be eligible for later work-terms, students must be in good standing in the program, have completed any requirements specific to the program, and have received a grade of CR (Credit) on their earlier work-term(s).
Fees
Every student in a Co-op program is required to pay Co-op fees as established by the University. The Co-op fees relate to costs associated with the administration of the Co-op program including, but not limited to, the facilitation of work-term preparation courses, the development of work term opportunities, and staffing support for students throughout the competitive job search process. These fees are calculated in accordance with Ministry of Education and University of Toronto policies. Tuition fees do not apply, and are not charged, when a student is registered in a work-term and not taking other courses, nor are there any additional tuition fees associated with the required Co-op work-term preparation courses. If a student leaves the Co-op program for any reason, Co-op fees paid in earlier sessions are not refundable.
Program of Study Requirements
Co-op programs require completion of all program and degree requirements (normally within eight four-month terms of full-time study), as well as successful completion of work-terms, as specified by the particular program. Work-terms are evaluated by the Program Supervisor, the Co-op Office, and the employer. Upon completion, a grade of CR (Credit)/NCR (No Credit) is recorded on the transcript. The credits earned for successful work-term completion are in addition to the 20.0 credits required for the degree.
To receive certification for completion of the Co-op program on graduation, a student must:
- Meet all of the normal requirements for the selected degree;
- Complete the course requirements for the specific program;
- Complete the co-op work-term preparation course(s) and any other prerequisites for the work-term as required by the specific program;
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 2.5 (note that this is higher than the CGPA of 1.6 required for good standing in most non-Co-op programs);
- Receive a satisfactory evaluation for all work-term performance and work-term assignments;
- Register as a full-time student during study terms (i.e., a course load in each study term of at least 1.5 credits and normally 2.5 credits). Students with accommodations approved by UTSC AccessAbility Services will be granted an exception. Students should consult with their program supervisor/coordinator to develop a work term and study term plan that factors in these accommodations;
- Return to studies after each work-term; and
- Pay Co-op fees as assessed by the University.
For additional information about any requirements specific to a particular program, see the description of the individual program in this Calendar.
